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UK car production falls and snow chills output

Author/Source: Robin Roberts

27th April 2018

Car production declined in March, falling 13.3% year on year, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

It reports 147,471 cars were built in British factories as the domestic market continued to slow, with demand falling 17.7%. Exports also went down 11.9% due to fluctuations in demand in some global markets.

In addition, some manufacturers were impacted by the adverse March weather conditions which affected production operations including parts deliveries and despatch.

Overall output in the first quarter of 2018 fell 6.3%, with 440,426 cars leaving production lines in total this year. Almost 80% of these were exported, and while demand from overseas customers dipped 4.0% in Q1, this was dwarfed by the 14.1% decline in manufacturing for the UK market.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “A double digit decline in car manufacturing for both home and overseas markets is of considerable concern.

“Following recent announcements on jobs cutbacks in the sector, it’s vitally important that the industry and consumers receive greater certainty, both about future policies towards diesel and other low emission technologies, and our post-Brexit trading relationships and customs arrangements.

“Maintaining free and frictionless trade is an absolute priority – it has been fundamental to our past success and is key to our future growth.”